Step into Health Services

NHS England is seeking to appoint a supplier to deliver the Step into Health programme, a national workforce support service designed to help members of the Armed Forces community move into employment within the NHS.

The programme brings together employer engagement, candidate support and recruitment pathways alongside mentoring, work placements and wider programme activity.

The contract has an estimated value of £310,200 and will initially run for 12 months, with NHS England retaining the option to extend the arrangement for a further 12 months.

Service Requirements

The appointed supplier will be responsible for delivering the Step into Health programme nationally, supporting members of the Armed Forces community to access NHS employment opportunities.

Activities covered by the service include:

• Employer engagement
• Candidate support
• Recruitment pathways
• Mentoring
• Work placements
• Communications
• Stakeholder engagement
• Management of associated programme activities

The opportunity has been identified as particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Contract Information

Buyer: NHS England

Deadline: 14 September 2026, 12:00pm

Enquiry Deadline: 17 August 2026, 12:00pm

Contract Value: £310,200 excluding VAT / £310,200 including VAT

Delivery Length: 2 November 2026 to 1 November 2027, with the option to extend for up to a further 12 months to 1 November 2028

Tender Link: Access the NHS England Atamis procurement portal

Reference: C464977

Estimated Award Decision Date: 25 September 2026

Tenders can be submitted electronically through NHS England’s Atamis e-tendering portal and submissions must be made in English.

Evaluation Criteria

NHS England will evaluate submissions using the following weightings:

• Technical – 60%
• Commercial – 30%
• Social Value – 10%

The technical element will be assessed through the Quality Assessment technical question, alongside the commercial cost assessment and social value component.

Procurement Procedure

The contract is being procured through an Open procedure.

The opportunity provides suppliers with the chance to deliver a national NHS workforce programme focused on connecting the Armed Forces community with employment opportunities, recruitment pathways and practical workforce support across the health service.

Never Miss a Care Sector Opportunity

From contract opportunities and framework launches to sector news and procurement updates, The Daily Round delivers daily insights designed for care providers, suppliers, and sector leaders.

If you want to advertise your opportunity, please contact Jamie Peacock, Tender Specialist at advertising@dailyround.news